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Thursday, May 29, 2008

Former Selangor MB denies any irregularities in projects approved by him - The Star

May 29, 2008 BY ELAN PERUMAL

PROJECTS implemented under the former Barisan Nasional government in Selangor have contributed towards the growth and prosperity of the state and its people, said former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo.

Khir, who is now the Opposition leader in Selangor, said the nation's most developed state had achieved rapid economic growth in recent years.

All done accordingly: Khir insists projects served its purpose.

He said the hardwork done by the Barisan government who had ruled for 50 years enabled the people to enjoy good infrastructure such as roads, housing and commercial development.

“All the things that we are enjoying today are the fruits of the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the Barisan government.

“It is unfair to say that Barisan has not done much for the state,'' Khir said at the Selangor State Assembly in reply to allegations that the previous government had spent unwisely on mega projects that were underutilised or had stalled.

Several assemblymen from the Pakatan government took the previous government to task for carrying out too many mega projects that ended up as “white elephants”.

They include the Exco Village at Shah Alam, Marine Park in Sekinchan and Shah Alam Stadium.

Ng Swee Lim (Pakatan-Sekinchan) had said that the marine park did not attract visitors and was a waste of public funds.

He said the cost of the project had been stretched from RM10mil initially to RM21mil and it was done through a direct-nego concept and no open tender was called.

Hanizah Mohamed Talha (Pakatan-Taman Medan) said the previous state government should be held accountable for projects, which were abandoned and the facilities were underutilised in Selangor.

Khir said every development project in the state was carried out for the benefit of the people.

He said all the projects were implemented accordingly and denied any form of irregularities aimed at serving the interest of certain parties including himself.

“During my tenure as mentri besar, I was responsible for approving projects that were worth more than RM10mil and all the projects were carried out properly.”

“I have been investigated by the Anti-Corruption Agency and police and have been cleared of any wrongdoing,'' he said.

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.